Contract talks 'put on ice'

MANSFIELD Town boss David Holdsworth today urged his out-of-contract players to prove they are worth a deal next season.

A number of his Stags squad come to the end of their deals at the end of this campaign.

But Holdsworth asserts he has put contract talks on ice during the important run-in.

"We are not in a position where we can open talks right now, although I have spoken to the chairman (Andy Perry) about such matters and he has been tremendous" he said.

"We are looking for the right type of players, but where we are in the season, the players are playing for their futures.

"If we do go well and get into the play-off positions and get into a higher division then it may change things.

"But at the moment, it is all to play for and even those players who are under contract are fighting for their futures – because they're fighting for a place in the side."

Mansfield are now six points off the Blue Square Premier play-offs after Chester City's expulsion from the league was confirmed on Monday.

Holdsworth admits that is a blow, but says the players must stay focused and professional.

He said: "A look at the (revised) table didn't make me feel good. We expected it, but when it happens it's not great. But we have to pick ourselves up as a club and that's the message we have to get out.

"We are now four games without defeat and after the performance on Saturday (against Salisbury) there is a lot of confidence.

"No one here wanted it and it has probably cost us more than the other teams, but nothing is going to change it, so you have to be pragmatic.

"There are still a lot of positives."